THE history of the 'dreaded weed' is on display at the city's Maritime Museum.

European travellers to the New World first took up the custom of smoking tobacco they had seen among Native Americans - little knowing the highly addictive nature of the drug they were taking.

Working with staff from Morecambe Bay NHS Primary Care Trust, this exhibition explores the background, history and popularity of this 'habit'.

Says exhibition curator Sue Ashworth: "It's been a real eye-opener of a show. It was fascinating, not just to gain a real understanding of the history and medical implication of the subject but also to get a grasp of the big business interests at play.

The exhibition runs until April 13 at the Maritime Museum on St George's Quay - open 7 days a week.